The uvulopalatal flap

Abstract

A number of variations of the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty have been described in the literature for the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. The most widely performed of these procedures in the office setting is the laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty. The laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, while technically easy to perform, has several drawbacks. The procedure requires the availability of a laser, and it is generally not performed in one session, but is staged over several months in multiple procedures. The following article describes a relatively new palatal technique, a one-stage uvulopalatal flap, which can be performed in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia in the operating room. It does not require the purchase of any additional equipment, and is easy to perform. It also offers potential advantages over the traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in maintenance of palatal dynamics, lessened chance of scar contracture, reversibililty, and lessened pain. A number of variations of the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty have been described in the literature for the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. The most widely performed of these procedures in the office setting is the laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty. The laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, while technically easy to perform, has several drawbacks. The procedure requires the availability of a laser, and it is generally not performed in one session, but is staged over several months in multiple procedures. The following article describes a relatively new palatal technique, a one-stage uvulopalatal flap, which can be performed in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia in the operating room. It does not require the purchase of any additional equipment, and is easy to perform. It also offers potential advantages over the traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in maintenance of palatal dynamics, lessened chance of scar contracture, reversibililty, and lessened pain.